Mourn not the passing of that perpetually cheesy Apple worker outpost, the Peppermill, for rising from the Peppermill's ashes springs BJ's, a brewpup chain dedicated to an appetizer menu the size of the Bill of Rights and to its own signature beers.

Manager Paul Glass explains his philosophy: "We really look out for the ladies," he says. "Personal attention to the crowd" is what sets the Blue Pheasant, a ski lodge meets wedding reception hall, apart from the others.

The only place with live music in noise-sensitive Cupertino (live music is not permitted within the city limits) isn't actually in Cupertino, according to a city planner. But everyone thinks it is. So, for Cupertino's sake, let's keep the myth alive, and the amp turned up.

The Duke's long-haired bartender seems supernice, but not half as nice as the regular who bought Metro's bars and clubs squad team a Poison Apple for tasting. Big Jim, the saintly regular, says Edinburgh's fish and chips are swell, the jukebox offers a respectable collection of British and American music, and aside from him, there's another regular--an 83-year-old retired NASA guy and World War II bomber pilot who doesn't let a little thing like age deter him from walking to the bar four nights a week.

Four words: chilled Jagermeister on tap. On tap, people! If that's not enough, there's free popcorn and a Pabst Blue Ribbon clock, too. This is the kind of place where you walk in and already feel like a local, due in large part to the friendly and attentive bar staff. The Inn can really fill up on the weekend, so check out the secret side room if you need some private vodka tonic time.

The Peacock boasts "the best bartender ever!" according to the bartender, who goes by the name Johnny Cum Lately. Mr. Cum Lately also notes that the Peacock is Cupertino's best-kept secret. Well, not anymore! Consider the beans on this sizable sports bar with the best bartender ever hereby spilled.

Giant drinks and multiwatt lighting make this popular chain restaurant ode to the weekend sparkle. Walk in and hear sexy Rod Stewart serenade you from the jukebox. Go for happy hour from 4 to 7pm and then again from 10pm to 1am. Happy, happy.